Clueless in D.C.

The continued agonizing by Beltway curmudgeons like Robert Novak to explain away Gov. Mike Huckabee's rise in the polls that has left pundits like Novak scratching his head would be comical if it wasn't about such an important issue as the presidential nomination. As an example, Novak's recent column about Huckabee's trip to Houston and supposed lack of support among Baptist leaders was full of red herrings.

The first irony is that the Houston event was hosted at the home of Dr. Steve Hotze, a conservative, pro-life Catholic-turned-Presbyterian, not a Baptist, and was attended by leaders ranging from Charismatics to who knows what. The second is that the neither the host committee nor those attending this luncheon – put together with less than a week's notice during a very busy Christmas season and which filled the Hotze home to capacity – were screened for their religious views or denominations. Given the common, tongue-in-cheek saying that in Texas there are more Baptists than people, it would not be surprising that they might reflect a denominational majority of those present. However, since we did not have a religious test for the supporters, it is pure speculation.

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Novak's ignorance was even further revealed by asserting that Hotze is part of some ominous sounding "Christian Reconstruction Movement," as if he and these supporters are out on the fringes of even the religious conservative spectrum. Novak's silly assertion that because Huckabee does not have a monolithic support from all Baptists he is somehow less credible is both myopic and hypocritical. Does any other candidate meet that standard among his or her faith group? It also does not explain how in states like Iowa, New Hampshire and Michigan – certainly neither in the Bible belt nor dominated by Southern Baptists – Huckabee has moved to the front of the pack.

To help assure that Mr. Novak does not spend more sleepless nights tossing and turning about just what mystery is causing this anomaly, let me make it very simple so even a Washington D.C. journalist can understand it. The real people out here are looking for someone whose personal character, faith, principles and philosophy reflect who we are. We are tired of being told we have to accept one of two Northeast liberals-evolving-conservative-very-recently, a maverick who doesn't mind shutting down the rights of the people to petition our government for redress of grievances (I'll explain that to him if necessary), or a tired former senator who appears to be running because it seemed the thing to do.

Let me also explain in case Mr. Novak is so "Clueless in D.C." that he has missed the reality that endorsements neither win elections nor effectively move any base vote. Pro-life, pro-family evangelicals and Catholics respect our movement leaders but have long ago recognized their fallibility and do not follow them like sheep. In fact, the willingness by some like Pat Robertson to repudiate the core issues of sanctity of life, defense of marriage, personal character and strong faith in deference to his opinion of Giuliani's administrative skills has shown the grass-roots leaders and activists that we have no cohesive, principled leadership any longer, and the field generals must take the army back.

Finally, let me assure Mr. Novak and his cronies that we are very sophisticated, very experienced and have our eyes wide open. We do not see Mike Huckabee as a perfect candidate, but as a man who reflects those values listed above, has governed capably and compassionately and will also grow into the job as would be required of any other man elected for the presidency. Mr. Novak, like the rest of the self appointed guardians of the conservative movement should move his office into fly-over country for a few years and get back in touch with the real America.